Our Church Staff

Brant S. Copeland - Pastor

BA, M.Theol. MA, D.Min.

Brant became pastor of First Presbyterian in 1985.  He holds degrees from Rhodes College, the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and Union Theological Seminary in Virgina.  He serves on several boards of directors locally, is active in state-wide social justice causes, and co-chairs the Tallahassee Interfaith Clergy.   E-mail: brant@oldfirstchurch.org   Brant's Blog can be found at brantcopeland.com.

Christy Williams - Director of Christian Education

BA, MA

Christy has been leading the Christian Education Ministry of First Presbyterian since 1987.  A graduate of St. Andrews College, she holds the M.A. Degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and is a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Christy plans and coordinates education for children, youth, and adults.  E-mail:christy@oldfirstchurch.org

Michael Corzine, Organist and ChoirmasterBM, MM, DMA
Michael has been Organist and Choirmaster at First Presbyterian Church since 1973, the same year in which he joined the faculty of Florida State University as Professor of Organ.
E-mail: mcorzine@fsu.edu

 Betsy Calhoun, Choristers DirectorBM, MM, DM
Betsy is the Director of Music at St. John's Episcopal Church.  She also directs the Choristers of First Presbyterian.
E-mail: betsy@saint-john.org

 
Julia Simmons, HousekeeperJulia has worked part-time for First Church for over twenty years.  She helps out on Sunday mornings and for special events such as suppers and receptions.

Dolores Ingraham, Parish AssociateBA, MDiv
De is a retired minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Her special areas of ministry are pulpit supply and pastoral care to members who live at Westminster Oaks.
E-mail: deingraham@nettally.com.


Emory Hingst, Parish AssociateBA. MDiv

A retired pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Emory also holds membership in the Presbytery of Florida.  His special areas of ministry are pulpit supply and social justice ministries.
E-mail:eahingst@hotmail.com

Leo Sandon, Parish AssociateBA, MDiv, PhD

Leo is Emeritus Professor of Religion and American Studies at the Florida State University. A member of the Florida Presbytery for over 40 years, his special areas of ministry have been teaching and pulpit supply. 

E-mail: lsandon@garnet.acns.fsu.edu

R. Davis Thomas, Pastor EmeritusBA., BD, DD

Davis was pastor of First Church from 1956-68.   When he returned to Tallahassee for retirement, the congregation elected him Pastor Emeritus as an expression of gratitude and respect for his outstanding ministry.

Andra J. W. Copeland, Director of First Presbyterian Preschool

MTheol; MA

First Presbyterian Preschool, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization housed at First Presbyterian Church.  It serves children aged two through four years and their families.  Andra has been Director since 1993. E-mail:director@firstprespreschool.net.